PUMP ROCKETS

BJ has good strength in his feet so, with assistance, he can manage these pop up rockets. It is a great reward for managing to stomp your foot. It requires him to look, focus and then target the pump with his foot.

HOVER TOYS

Toys that hover over a child’s hand seem to still be popular this year. BJ has one of these Air Hogs and loves it. These also come in a fairy version. Holding your hand out flat and moving it controls the aircraft’s flight. This is good for someone who has good hand control. It does take skill to keep it airborne and in the right position, but the great feature of this toy is that it doesn’t require good fine motor skills, like many remote control operated toys. Check out the youtube link to see a demonstration of how it operates.

HOVER STRIKE

This is built for indoor play. The hover disc can glide on most surfaces and has bumpers so it doesn’t damage walls. BJ finds using his feet works well for him so he has been more accurate kicking the hovercraft than using his hands. The toy also comes in a soccer version.

SUGGESTIONS FOR TEENS

Since BJ hit the teenage years, we have found outings and experiences have been great gifts for him. It is also something the family can “all put in for” as a combined present. A trike ride was fantastic fun for BJ and he loved doing it with his sister and Dad.

BJ has wheel guards on his wheelchair and the design has been a great conversation starter for people we meet when we are out and about. Kids comment and think it is “cool.” Wheel guards would make a great gift. They come in a variety of designs including abstract graphics for older kids.

For teens who love music there are CDs and iPods, but for a unique gift, why not have a personalised song written for them? I recently met the founder of Romance Outsourced (don’t let the name put you off, they do songs for birthdays and other occasions, not just Valentine’s Day) and I think this is a terrific gift idea for teenagers, or for anyone who is difficult to buy for and who also love their music. All you need to do is send the guys at Romance Outsourced some information about your special person, they will come up with lyrics, record the song and then send it to you in an MP3 format. Head to their website for more information – www.romance-outsourced.com

 

 

I hope this proves helpful to parents and families searching for a special gift for someone with special needs.

Check out our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids with Special Needs

17 “Mom Approved” Gifts for Kids with Special Needs

 

Julie Jones is the creator of Have Wheelchair Will Travel (www.havewheelchairwilltravel.net) where she combines her skills as an ex travel consultant with her life and experiences as a Mom to her son BJ who has Cerebral Palsy.